Does Five Below Accept EBT?

Figuring out where you can use your EBT card can be a little tricky. You might be wondering, “Does Five Below accept EBT?” Well, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Let’s dive in and see what the deal is with using EBT at this popular store.

The Short Answer: Can You Use EBT at Five Below?

Unfortunately, the answer is generally no, Five Below does not accept EBT cards. They are mainly focused on selling items that aren’t considered “necessities” under the guidelines of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is what EBT cards are for.

Does Five Below Accept EBT?

What Can You Buy with EBT?

EBT cards, also known as SNAP benefits, are meant to help people buy food. The government gives you money on the card each month to help you get groceries. What qualifies as food is a pretty specific list. It’s mostly meant for things you cook at home, not ready-to-eat meals or things like alcohol.

The main categories of food that you can buy with your EBT card are:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products
  • Breads and cereals
  • Seeds and plants to grow food

Things like cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food are usually not covered by EBT.

It is important to remember that the rules can change sometimes, so it is a good idea to check the specific guidelines for your state.

Why Doesn’t Five Below Accept EBT?

Five Below is all about offering really cool and affordable stuff, but they don’t sell a lot of the food items that EBT is designed for. They have a variety of things, like toys, school supplies, room decor, and snacks. Because of the types of items they focus on, Five Below hasn’t set up the systems to accept EBT payments.

Think about the types of items you usually see at Five Below. They’re known for their trendy and fun things that most people want, but aren’t necessarily essential. The company is designed to give you a great shopping experience at a great price!

The kinds of stores that do accept EBT, like grocery stores and some farmers’ markets, have to follow strict rules and guidelines set by the government. They have to be approved vendors to even process EBT cards. Five Below hasn’t gone through that process, because their products don’t often fall under the SNAP guidelines.

There are certain products that may fall under the category of food, but in general, you can’t buy what’s needed at Five Below using your EBT card.

What Kinds of Stores Usually Accept EBT?

EBT cards are primarily accepted at stores that sell food and groceries. These are the stores that are approved by the government to process EBT payments. This makes it easier to get the necessary food that you may need.

Here are some examples of stores where you can use your EBT card:

  1. Grocery stores (like Kroger, Safeway, and Trader Joe’s)
  2. Supermarkets
  3. Some convenience stores
  4. Farmers’ markets

These stores have the right point-of-sale systems set up to read EBT cards and know which items are approved for purchase. They also are aware of the different rules that may apply.

Remember that rules can vary a little based on where you live. So, if you’re unsure, the best thing to do is look for signs at the store or ask a cashier before you start shopping.

What About Snacks and Drinks at Five Below?

You might be thinking, “But Five Below sells snacks and drinks, can I buy those with my EBT card?” The answer is: it depends, but probably not. Because the EBT card is intended for a specific group of food, not all food products are approved.

While Five Below might sell some food items, like candy, chips, and drinks, those types of snacks don’t always qualify for EBT purchases. The government usually focuses on healthier options, so that is an important factor to keep in mind.

Here is a quick breakdown:

Item EBT Eligible?
Chips Maybe, depends on the specific item
Soda No
Candy Maybe, depends on the specific item
Juice Maybe

It’s always a good idea to check with the store before you put something in your cart to make sure you can pay for it with your EBT card.

Finding EBT-Accepting Stores Near You

If you need to find stores that accept EBT near you, there are some easy ways to find them! There are also a lot of online tools, apps, and resources available, which are really helpful.

Here are some easy ways to find EBT-accepting stores:

  • Use your state’s official website for food assistance programs. They often have a list of approved stores.
  • Use online store locators. These will help you find different types of stores.
  • Ask your friends, family, and neighbors!

You can also just look around! Usually, if a store takes EBT, they’ll have a sign on the door or near the checkout lanes. Many of the large chain grocery stores will take EBT.

Alternative Payment Options at Five Below

Even though Five Below doesn’t accept EBT, you can still use other ways to pay for your purchases. There are many other payment options that you can use.

Here are the most common ways you can pay:

  1. Cash
  2. Credit cards (like Visa, Mastercard, and Discover)
  3. Debit cards

Five Below will usually also accept gift cards, but you will need to check what form of payment that gift card will require. These are good options if you’re shopping at Five Below and want to be sure you can pay for everything.

Conclusion

So, to answer your question, no, Five Below generally does not accept EBT cards. They carry a lot of fun and exciting items, but they are not set up to process EBT payments. If you’re looking to use your EBT card, you’ll want to head to a grocery store or other food-focused retailer. Now you have a better understanding of where you can use your EBT card and what you can buy!